Three of the dogs rescued Saturday from a Lenox Avenue apartment in Oneida.
Photo Courtesy Angels of Fur K-9 Rescue

ONEIDA >> “Deplorable conditions” led Westmoreland-based animal rescue group Angels of Fur to rescue 14 chihuahuas and four larger sized dogs - three lab-chow mixes and one dalmatian mix - from a Lenox Avenue home Saturday.

Angels of Fur marketing director Valarie DiViccaro reported that the dogs were found in “deplorable conditions” in a two-bedroom apartment.

According to DiViccaro, someone contacted Oneida City Police with the information that a large number of animals were being housed at the location. The police department then contacted Angels of Fur to ask for assistance with the situation. Animal rescue volunteers went to the home with a police escort and the owner willingly surrendered the dogs.

To DiViccaro’s knowledge, no charges have been filed by police at this time. Comment from Oneida City Police was unavailable in time for this report on Monday.

All of the dogs have at least one health-related issue, DiViccaro said. They were found with urine burns, ungroomed with exposed bones on their “elbow” due to severe sores and wounds, and some were pregnant but immobile. Many of the chihuahuas are underweight and weigh around 2 pounds, DiViccaro said; however, she did say the animals were being fed by their owner.

With some of the dogs, their nails had not been trimmed and had curled around into their footpads, she added.

“The dogs are fearful of people and all need their teeth pulled,” DiViccaro said.

Following the surrender of the animals, volunteers took the dogs to a local veterinarian for treatment and evaluation.

Over the weekend following the surrender, volunteers contacted Angels of Fur to take in the animals and as of Monday, all the dogs have been placed in foster homes and are being cared for, DiViccaro said.

On the Angels of Fur K-9 Rescue Facebook page, care givers for the dogs report that the animals are overcoming serious issues. Facebook user Marisa Lynn is one such caregiver, and she writes that two dogs she is caring for can’t move without pain, have zero body fat and physically stiffen like a board when touched because of anxiety. The dogs are going to the bathroom on a pee pad because they can’t quite go outside yet.

Sarah Chmielewski, another of the foster caregivers, reports that a dog she is caring for has to be on a special diet because of infections.

Angels of Fur volunteers say donations of food and dog supplies are still needed.

With the most recent rescue of 18, the group officially has 50 rescued dogs in foster homes. Their resources are being stretched thin, DiViccaro said.